Indus river dolphin shot dead by villagers

Authorities in contact with Balochistan government to take legal action against the perpetrators

KARACHI:

A 20-month-old Indus river dolphin was shot dead by unidentified villagers in Balochistan on Sunday.

According to the Sindh Wildlife Department (SWD), the mammal had traveled at least 150 kilometres from Sukkur Barrage to Balochistan through the Kirthar Canal.

"It was spotted by the local irrigation staff," said SWD provincial head Javed Ahmed Mahar. "The villagers shot it dead before the rescue team could reach the area," he added.

Commenting on the matter, Sukkur Division Deputy Conservator Adnan Khan said his department is in contact with the Balochistan government to take legal action against the killers of the dolphin. Officials said the dolphin was shot twice.

Though the SWD has initiated an investigation, no formal criminal case can be lodged by them as the killing took place within the limits of the Balochistan provincial government.

According to the last survey which was held in 2019, there were as many as 1,419 dolphins between the Guddu and Sukkur barrages. The area in which they were counted is called the Indus Dolphin Reserves.

The villagers who shot the dolphin have been bitterly criticized by social media activists.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 8^th, 2023.